Critical digital infrastructure experts guide professionals in a secure testing environment that replicates data center operating conditions.
Vertiv, a global provider of solutions for critical digital infrastructure and continuity, has announced the start of operations of The Vertiv Academy Latin America, a training center for data center professionals. The 150-square-meter facility is located in Barueri, a city in the Greater São Paulo region.
The Vertiv Academy Latin America replicates critical digital infrastructure in a data center environment, enabling hands-on training in a secure and controlled testing environment. Local instructors will train professionals from Brazil and other Latin American countries in best practices for critical digital infrastructure management and services, with an emphasis on Vertiv’s energy management and thermal management solutions.
The training offered at The Vertiv Academy Latin America is available in Portuguese, Spanish and English and is delivered by critical infrastructure experts with an average of more than 10 years of experience in the industry.
The services offered at The Vertiv Academy Latin America are exclusive to end-users of Vertiv solutions (customers), Vertiv channel partners and the company’s internal services team – the Vertiv Customer Service Engineers.
“HPC (High Performance Computing) data centers focused on AI applications are arriving in Brazil and demand a new generation of professionals with new skills,” said Francisco Sales, Director of Services for Vertiv Latin America.
“New technologies, such as liquid cooling offerings for critical infrastructure, make it possible for data center operators to save energy and properly cool their high-density data racks. New UPSs with multiple power sources contribute to this dynamic data center landscape, allowing the data center manager to choose which power source to use depending on the type of application.
“More than ever, keeping this environment operating efficiently requires reliable infrastructure and a skilled technical team to maintain it. These elements have become even more important given the lack of qualified professionals certified in the best practices of critical digital infrastructure management.”
According to a 2022 Uptime Institute study, 53% of data center leaders say they are struggling to find the right people for their organizations. A Brazilian report developed in 2021 by the Association of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Digital Technologies Companies (BRASSCOM) reveals that the Brazilian IT market will demand 797,000 new professionals by 2025.
“The Vertiv Academy Latin America provides data center professionals with a secure testing environment, access to critical equipment for hands-on learning, and the latest technologies to enhance both training and advanced field services. The goal is to prepare them to face the challenges of managing a data center,” said Leonardo Barroso, Regional Training and Technical Support Manager for Vertiv Latin America.
Some of the highlights of the footprint are the Vertiv Smart Solutions – prefabricated modular solutions, configured to include the Vertiv Environet Alert monitoring platform and Vertiv’s energy management and thermal management systems.
The Vertiv Academy Latin America also has more than 10 simulators of Vertiv thermal management solutions – devices with integrated logic of thermal management solutions.
“Vertiv’s simulators allow students to experience the interface of large equipment that is physically in their data centers but is not present in The Vertiv Academy. The simulator supports learning how to manage these systems, always with the support of trained professionals,” said Barroso.
In addition to simulators, students and instructors can also use Augmented Reality and Smart Glasses to receive 3D images of equipment and projects. This also allows remote learners to experience a new way of interacting with Vertiv’s solutions during the training session.
“We use AR Smart Glasses to reinforce the learning process through a unique and immersive experience,” said Barroso. “After mastering the use of these 3D glasses, professionals trained by The Vertiv Academy gain a career advantage. They become able to see deep into the data center infrastructure and will be able to check the critical environment together with a local trainer.”
The Vertiv Academy Latin America places a strong emphasis on workplace safety best practices. Both students and instructors need to adhere to safe work practices as the foundation for all processes implemented at The Vertiv Academy.
In addition, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, goggles and gloves, along with other safety equipment, are provided as an extra safety measure. The goal is to ensure a safe environment within The Vertiv Academy and to disseminate safe practices in the workplaces of professionals.
“Concern for the well-being of data center professionals is one of the pillars of Vertiv’s work philosophy. While The Vertiv Academy Latin America is a learning environment, it is also a production space,” added Sales.